Answers
Ballot measure limits the patient for each nurse that they can care in hospitals across Massachusetts. It will vary based on the unit and level of care required. To address patient safety crisis, patient safety Act increase nurse-to-patient ratios in acute care facilities. The law insists of most hospitals wards at least one nurse for every five patients and one nurse for every 2 patients in ICU. Low nurse to patient ratio links with poor health outcomes.
The ballot information for voters on the act, the maximum number of patients per RN based on unit and level of care.
The state of Massachusetts not regulated the number of patients nurses can be assigned in private hospitals or facilities, surgical unit, emergency rooms, special wards, and units still state regulating the number of patients for nurses can be assigned both private and public receive public funds. Massachusetts legislature passes HB 4228 insists that nurses in ICU can be assigned 2 patients at one time. The CEO compensation initiative supported by the Massachusetts nurse association and opposed with the massuchusetts health and hospital association.
Facilities covered by post notice by the commission with information regarding patient limits. If the facility refused to comply with requirement there will be civil penalties of 250$ and 2500$ every day of non-compliance. The enforcement initiative suspends its public health emergency declared by state or nationally.